JERSEY’S gambling watchdog has criticised the lack of progress in providing support for Islanders struggling with addiction – saying talks with Health have been “decidedly light on output”.

The Jersey Gambling Commission said that although conversations with the department remained “positive and engaging”, routes to help people suffering gambling harm were still limited.

And its outgoing chairman has suggested that more could have been achieved over the past decade if there had been a better coordinated approach with Public Health.

The comments come in the Commission’s 2025 annual report, which reveals that 232 self-exclusions – where gamblers effectively ban themselves from betting – were in place across Jersey’s bookmakers last year, compared with 224 in 2024 and 187 in 2023.

However, the regulator stressed that the figures contain duplication because people wishing to stop gambling may exclude themselves from several operators.

There were 127 individual self-exclusion agreements made during the year, while 54 people returned to gambling after their exclusion period ended – up from 40 in 2024.

Chief executive Dr Jason Lane said reducing gambling harm remained a key priority but acknowledged that “avenues for assistance remain few”.

A small number of private counsellors have expressed an interest in providing support, but Dr Lane said this would “never be better than delivery through the health service and the continuity of care that it provides”.

“Conversations with health remain positive and engaging, but decidedly light on output,” he added.

Outgoing chair Cyril Whelan was similarly critical, saying improvements in protecting vulnerable people over his decade at the regulator had been “patchy at best”.

“I cannot help but think that a more co-ordinated commitment with Public Health in particular could have delivered more,” he said.

However, Mr Whelan said there was now acceptance that gambling addiction required a public-health response and praised mental-health services for treating people presenting with gambling-related problems.

“That is clearly a good thing and it needs to continue and be adequately signposted for those who are either directly or indirectly impacted by problem gambling,” he added.

The Commission recorded nine direct interactions concerning problem gambling involving six individuals during 2025. It said a small number of people – estimated at three or four each year – arrive at its offices having reached “a crisis point in their lives” and seeking help.

The regulator does not provide treatment itself but directs them towards organisations and services that may be able to assist.

Meanwhile, 39 attempts by self-excluded people to gamble were stopped during 2025, compared with 36 the previous year. Two transactions were recorded where excluded gamblers successfully placed bets.

The Commission’s Social Responsibility Fund – which can pay for research, education, prevention, counselling and treatment – stood at £160,218 at the end of 2025.

The regulator said it continued to offer support to Islanders who need to travel to the UK for residential treatment.

However, the closure of Ladbrokes’ four Jersey shops has meant the loss of its contribution towards funding a place at a UK residential treatment service.

The Commission said access remained available and it would consider supporting Islanders on a case-by-case basis.